Riverside County earns advanced FEMA flood safety rating as El Niño approaches

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) — The Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District has advanced to Class 5 in FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS), recognizing the county’s efforts to reduce flood risks and improve floodplain management.

Effective October 1, 2026, eligible National Flood Insurance Program policyholders in unincorporated Riverside County can receive up to a 25% discount on flood insurance premiums for policies issued or renewed on or after that date.

“This new FEMA rating demonstrates the District’s commitment to not only meeting, but exceeding, federal guidance for managing flood risk in our communities,” said Board Chair Karen Spiegel, Second District Supervisor.

The upgrade is expected to generate more than $385,000 in annual savings for eligible residents, or more than $1.9 million over five years. Riverside County now ranks among the top one percent of NFIP communities nationwide.

The new rating comes as residents prepare for the potential impacts of an El Niño weather pattern, which can increase the risk of wet conditions in Southern California.

“Achieving CRS Class 5 is especially significant as we enter an El Niño year,” said Jason Uhley, District General Manager and Chief Engineer. “We encourage our residents to consider flood insurance if they live within a FEMA mapped floodplain or have a history of flooding.”

Officials remind residents that flooding is generally not covered by standard homeowners insurance and encourage them to review their coverage with an insurance agent or insurer.

For more information, you can visit the counties website.